Valve Device Pneumatic Suspension Level Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air suspension system valve devices for commercial vehicles and trailers lack a solution for ensuring level control and reset-to-ride functionality across different installation conditions and types of towing vehicles, particularly when manual lifting is not required, and there is a need to prevent accidental vehicle lifting while maintaining pneumatic support for level control during driving.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a solenoid valve and control chamber combination that connects the compressed air source to the reset-to-ride component, while preventing manual selection of the lifting position by blocking the supply connection, ensuring the reset-to-ride function is maintained without allowing accidental vehicle lifting, and allowing for identical components to be used across various vehicle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve device allows manual selection of lifting position to enable manual vehicle lifting, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of accidental lifting
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressed air source and the lifting/lowering valve assembly. This blocking valve acts as a mediator that controls whether compressed air can reach the lifting position, thereby preventing accidental lifting while still allowing manual operation when intentionally activated. The blocking valve receives control signals from the electronic control device to selectively permit or block air supply.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different valve device configurations are used for different vehicle types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is designed with a universal configuration that can serve multiple vehicle types and application scenarios. The electronic control device and blocking valve combination enables the same hardware setup to adapt to different vehicle types (trucks, trailers, semi-trailers) and different operational requirements (manual lifting, automatic level control, reset-to-ride function) through software/control logic rather than hardware modifications.
3Ease of operation
If compressed air supply is always available to lifting/lowering valve assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to prevent unintended lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air supply to the lifting/lowering valve assembly is made dynamic rather than static. The blocking valve dynamically controls the air supply based on control signals from the electronic control device. When lifting is not intended, the blocking valve blocks the air supply path. When lifting is intended (through manual activation or automatic control), the blocking valve opens to permit air supply. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt its air supply state to match operational requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables level control and reset-to-ride functionality across different vehicle types with a high proportion of identical parts, preventing accidental lifting and ensuring pneumatic support for level control during driving, while allowing for manual lowering and tilting operations as needed.
Implementation Method 1
ventil valve (22) which is controlled via an electrical control signal (17, 23) into a blocking position, in which the supply connection (19) is blocked from the compressed air source (3)
Implementation Method 2
A valve device with a solenoid valve and control chamber combination that connects the compressed air source to the reset-to-ride component
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The valve device (24), particularly valve device assembly, comprises a reset-to-ride-function and a lifting or lowering valve assembly (13) in which air spring bellows (16) vented over the valve device. A valve (21) is provided between the compressed air source (3) and a supply terminal (19) of the lifting or lowering valve assembly. An independent claim is also included for a semitrailer or a tipper or an automobile with a container, particularly a tank or a cavity.